I was born and raised in Murphy. My mother “encouraged” me (with some force) to begin piano lessons at the age of six. After awhile I found piano somewhat boring, but luckily a phenomenal organ teacher had moved to Murphy, and I found that playing the organ was NOT boring. So I was off and running. This led to my studies in music, including degrees from Young Harris College and Mars Hill University.

I have served as Director of Music at Murphy First UMC  for over thirty years. Through the years, I have directed the usual musical activities; special memories include  driving the church bus to take our youth choir on tour and leading the “Joy Ringers” as they rang chimes at local nursing homes (also driving a bus!).

Handbell repertoire and performance is a specialty for me. The many talented arrangers publishing this type of music today enable us to bless church worship services with ethereal, spiritual sound.

Alongside my work at the church, I have served as Staff Accompanist in the Department of Music at Young Harris College for fifteen years. I can also be found “in the pit” playing keyboard for productions at The Peacock theater in Hayesville.

In my free time I enjoy reading and pursuing the challenge of learning to play the violin while taking care of three dogs.